For Organic‘s Fall/Winter 2013 collection, designer John Patrick revisited his personal connection to the East Village, NYC’s downtown neighborhood known of its hip, grungy-chic style. Patrick was inspired by three indie “glamazons” and friends, Sable Starr, Cyrinda Foxe and Anya Phillips. Wednesday morning during New York Fashion Week, Patrick displayed a collection that spoke to those downtown tastemakers. “The catwalk is meant to tell a story and create an emotion,” he told Ecouterre after his show.

Patrick honed in on the East Village’s sexy, underground scene and painted a clear picture of downtown, from the tousled wind-blown hair to the crop sweaters and midi length skirts to even the music by Organic’s DJ Bryce Hackford. Patrick described the current fashion industry as “crowded” and that with this show he’s brought a certain “authenticity.”

He created flattering anoraks, slips, muffs and storm coats in refreshing hues of flamingo pink, gray, navy and fawn that would be sure to brighten any dreary winter day. Patrick’s loose-fitting (but warm) outwear looked comforting, but never looked weighed down; the collection was effortless and easy.

Though Organic is primarily an organic cotton-based brand, Patrick is always using new recycled fabrics. Furthering his sustainability commitment, Patrick used wool pile teddy fur and a new “CO2 neutral” yarn made from recycled cashmere produced by an Italian mill. “It was an investment to produce those garments, but the process of making a collection is always experimental,” he told us.

So then it wasn’t a surprise when Patrick told us that his favorite piece was his opening look: a crudo wool pile teddy fur anorak and white organic cotton short-sleeve shirt. “Organic cotton is what I built this business on. That’s where my art lies,” he said.